Folate vs Folic Acid – understanding the differences

 

If you have a known MTHFR mutation (40-60% of the population), avoiding foods containing folic acid is critical to your wellbeing

 

Synthetic folic acid was actually added to foods to help prevent neural tube defects. Women are advised to take supplements containing folic acid throughout pregnancy. This folic acid supplementation, combined with folic acid in foods, leads to a high amount of unmetabolized folic acid in the body, especially in those with MTHFR.  High levels of folic acid in the body have been linked to an increase in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Many children with Autism have a comorbid condition known as “CFD”, cerebral folate deficiency disorder.  Symptoms are very similar to Autism, but if found and corrected early, proper supplementation can greatly reduce symptoms

In a 2013 study, pregnant rats who were given large doses of folic acid showed changes in brain synaptic transmission and higher rates of seizures in their offspring

In 2014, a mouse study showed that babies born to a mother fed a diet high in folic acid showed changes of gene expression in the cerebrum (many genes which are involved in development), hyperactivity and an increase in anxiety

You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.